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Choosing a managed service provider in Germany: what to look for

MAKONIS team · · 6 min read

In short: A managed service provider (MSP) permanently operates defined IT services and is accountable for agreed service levels. When choosing one, what matters most is location and data protection, verifiable certifications, clear response times, a transparent pricing model and fair exit terms.

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What is an MSP?

A managed service provider runs IT systems for its customers, such as cloud platforms, Kubernetes clusters or applications. Unlike projects or staff augmentation, it is accountable for an outcome: availability, response times, security.

The five key selection criteria

Location and data protection: where is data processed, who has access, does the GDPR apply directly?

Certifications: ISO 27001 for information security, ISO 9001 for quality, TISAX for the automotive industry.

Service levels: put service hours, response and resolution times, escalation paths and reporting in writing.

Pricing: monthly flat fees with a clearly described scope instead of open hourly budgets.

Exit and independence: documentation, infrastructure as code and credentials belong to you.

Operating models compared

The table compares typical models, not individual providers.

ModelAvailabilityData protectionCostLock-in
In-houseShift work requiredFull controlHigh, scarce talentDepends on people
Offshore MSP24/7 possibleThird country, extra checksLowOften high
EU nearshoring24/7, same time zoneGDPR applies directlyMediumLow with IaC
Regional MSPUsually business hoursGDPR applies directlyMedium to highMedium

Questions for the first meeting

Who exactly works on my environment, and from where?

What does a monthly report look like?

What happens during a security incident at night or on a weekend?

How long does handover take, and how does an exit work?

The MAKONIS approach

MAKONIS is certified to ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and TISAX. 24/7 operations are handled by our Managed Service Center in Krakow, a joint venture with aplicado, inside the EU and in the same time zone. Our managed services start at €490 per month.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on scope and service hours. At MAKONIS, flat fees range from €490 to €3,900 per month per service.

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